I'm just going to call it like it is: this is a total #fangirl post. I am new to the One Direction craze. But, within the last month, Harry Styles and One D's hit single, "Best Song Ever" has won me over. This is a slightly embarrassing admittance on my part, but hey, I'm just going to own it.

From Frank Sinatra to Dave Matthews, Wynton Marsalis to Taylor Swift I love it all. I have some favorites, ahem John Mayer but I rarely fall for the boy bands. I haven't "loved" a boy band since Hanson. That was back when I was crushing on Zack and dancing around the house to Mmmbop on a cassette tape (I think the infamous phrase, "I am showing my age", fits entirely too well into this scenario).

Well, I've caught the One Direction bug and I may or may not be madly in love have a crush on 19 year old Harry Styles. Hey! TSwift is older than me so I think it's totally acceptable to have a wee bit of a crush on Harry (trying out some British phrases, you see). Plus who can resist the British accent?!

And who can resist his style? Maybe he got style tips from ex-girlfriend, Cara Delevigne (you know, the one with the perfect eyebrows?!).

So, sometime this long weekend, I will find time to go seeThis Is Us(out today). More importantly, I need to find a friend who doesn't find watching a movie about younger guys weird. To catch up on the One Direction craze, watch this YouTube video about their X Factor Days... I watched the whole thing (#noshame).

Alright, I need to stop now. I've fully embarrassed myself enough on my own blog. Have a fabulous day!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

My blue and white striped RL Oxford days are numbered. As a wardrobe staple, I probably wear it at least once a week. As I hopped onto the Ralph Lauren site to order a replacement, I saw the personalization option. While this was huge in 2005 (along with some other questionable unmentionables, ahem, double popped collars...), I really like the idea of having a subtle monogram. The only thing I don't love is that the shirt is cut "super slim". I'd prefer my oxfords be a little roomy, more boyfriend, less slim. But hey, ya win some, ya lose some.

So, what do you think? To go with the monogram or not... or is that really even a question!? Have a fabulous day!

In past posts, I've discussed many different cocktails and my drinks of choice. Well, recently my drink of choice has been a Gin Martini. I like it dry, straight up and super dirty (bonus points if the olives are stuffed with blue cheese). While I love Tanqueray, Hendrick's is my go-to for martinis. I think Tanqueray pairs well with citrus so it is great for a G&T but in my opinion, Hendrick's is more flavorful with olives.

A martini is not for everyone. Especially because one or two can knock your socks off. It is the perfect drink for sipping paired with a great charcuterie platter. Do you drink a martini? How do you like it? Have a fabulous day!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

I am In. Love. The leather bodice with unique back and tulle skirt. This Alice and Olivia Ginnifer dress is the perfect party frock. Not something I'd ever really picture myself in, but it's a bit daring and super stylish... dare I say even trendy? Of course, I'd rock it with simple black pumps and pearls ;) Have a fabulous day!

Monday, August 26, 2013

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised to see that J. Crew was promoting the baseball cap in their most recent catalog. I wear a baseball hat quite frequently. In college, a hat was a no-brainer. I would sport a cap when I was spending a late night in the library, going to the gym or just too lazy to wash my hair (sadly, I'm not kidding).

But now, as an adult, there are fewer places that I frequent where a baseball hat is appropriate. Work, no way. At the dinner table, rude. But those Saturday morning errands and Sunday brunches, perfect. A baseball hat is a simple way to look sporty and a quick option for hiding your hair if it's just one of those days.

In the above photos, I wore a golf hat with a simple striped tee, Nantucket red shorts and Sperry Topsiders. It was the perfect casual outfit for a Saturday morning in the Strip District hopping around from market to market and enjoying lunch at Penn Ave. Fish Co.

In the fall, I think a baseball hat is a great option for wearing with a navy blazer. It makes the blazer less stuffy and more casual. During the winter, I sport hat when spending a day out on the slopes.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

The temperatures have actually been quite mild in Pittsburgh lately. I am actually quite thankful for the cooler temps; it's helping me to look forward to fall! If you are a Memorial Day/Labor Day rule follower when it comes to fashion, your days of seersucker, madras, white and linen are coming to a close.

I don't necessarily follow the rules. I'm all about "no rules" when it comes to fashion, but really, seersucker doesn't look quite right in the latter half of September. However, there are a ton of summer pieces that you can carry well into fall. I have a favorite Vineyard Vines skirt from Country Squire Haberdashery. It's quite perfect for work and play so I wear it often. This skirt is definitely a piece I plan on wearing through fall. See below for how I am already transitioning this summer skirt.

The Blythe blouse is a closet staple. It works for both work and nights out. It's lightweight silk so it can be worn on a cooler summer day but also layered for the fall and winter. I really like the Blythe when it is dressed down with casual denim.

The skirt is a summer weight so it really only works for the early fall days...as the temps cool down, I plan on pairing this skirt with riding boots and a down vest for a more casual weekend look.

The shoes are the Kors by Michael Kors Vail Wedge. Yes, they are suede, but again, the no rules thing. I've been wearing these suede wedges all summer. These wedges are the absolute most comfortable heeled shoe I have ever worn. Not to mention, the quality is outstanding. I will most definitely be picking up the black patent pair for some comfortable work shoes, and also another pair of this neutral tan shade so I have a back up pair when I wear my current pair down (yeah, they're that comfortable)! Now, I just wish they'd make this shoe with a closed toe!

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Sometimes there is nothing better than working from bed. One Sunday morning I tackled a bit of my to-do list from my dreamy bed.

I wrote some thank you notes with help from Shop Crystal Faye's awesome paper products. I always write my notes with my Stabilo pens because they are so colorful and super easy to write with. And, I couldn't function without my Lilly Pulitzer date planner and iPad (with Lilly case, of course).

The final touch was making my to-do list on the Susabelle Boutique notepad. This notepad is great because it is large, with no lines and has a thicker weight than your average paper... meaning it holds up until I can actually cross everything off my list! Do you ever work from bed? Have a fabulous day!